Photo Credit: CHOI SEUNG-SIK
According to various sources, the St. Louis Cardinals have shown interest in the LG Twins closer Woo-Suk Go from the KBO. The Cards have some big holes on their roster, and pitching is the most glaring need.
Young Hurler With Potential
Go is a decent prospect but will probably be considered as a middle reliever rather than a closer to begin his major league career. Last season was somewhat of a down year for Go. He posted a respectable 3.68 ERA and a 1.364 WHIP over 44 innings pitched. Additionally, he struck out 59 batters with 22 walks. The down year can likely be blamed on his uncharacteristic walk rate of 11.8%. However, Go had been far more dominant in his two previous seasons and has three years with 30+ saves for the Twins. In his seven seasons at South Korea’s top level, Go has a 3.18 ERA. He struggled as a youngster in his first two years before turning in an ERA of 2.17 or better in three of his next four seasons. His down year being the 2020 season.
The right-handed hurler appears to have major league caliber stuff. His fastball sits in the mid-90’s and has been clocked as high as 98. He relies on his fastball and cutter for the most part, occasionally adding in a decent 12-6 curveball. Go has closer potential and, at the very least, is a quality middle relief prospect.
Signing Could be a No Go
It was reported by Dan Kurtz of My KBO that the MLB did a status check on the reliever. After this occurred, Go requested that the LG Twins allow him to explore MLB opportunities. Once he is posted, there will be a 45-day window for Go to negotiate with major league teams. If a deal isn’t agreed to in that window, he will return to his current ball club. However, there is no guarantee he will be allowed to sign. If his current club doesn’t think they will receive a high enough posting fee, they could pull him off the market. Additionally, LG announced that they would allow him to explore offers and then re-evaluate the decision once his market value is established.
Cardinals Bullpen Needs Reinforcements
The Cardinals bullpen performance was abysmal in 2023 season. Their bullpen had the 23rd worst ERA in the majors at 4.47. Additionally, they blew 28 saves in 64 opportunities. The majority of the focus has been placed on the need for starting pitching. However, the bullpen is in need of a revamp in a big way. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they are checking in on relievers like the NPB’S Yuki Matsui and Go of the KBO. The Cardinals front office has backed themselves into a corner, and the only way out is to open the wallet and get aggressive on the trade market.
